The AirPods have changed the headphone game. Not only are they technologically advanced, but they are also a status symbol and somewhat of a fashion accessory.
And they can be personalized! Apple allows a custom message of up to 22 characters (including emojis) to be selected by the customer to be engraved upon the outside of the case that the AirPods come in.
Engraving is an optional extra, and it’s also free!
In this article, I’ll run through some of the most popular ideas for engraving and cover the basics of what is and isn’t allowed or a good idea! Hopefully, it will inspire you to come up with your own perfect engraving message!
Table of Contents
Engraving Your AirPods – The Basics
Before we get into the endless possibilities of what you could get engraved on your AirPods, let’s discuss the limitations first.
Character Limits
As I stated earlier, you are restricted by a character limit, which is determined by the size of the AirPods case that will be engraved. (Yep, the engraving goes on the case, not the actual headphones!)
Depending on whether you are getting regular AirPods or AirPods Pro engraved, the character limit is different. For regular AirPods, the limit is 14 characters.
For AirPods Pro, with their bigger case, the limit is 22 characters.
Dos and Don’ts
Apple will not engrave curse words. Sorry to all you potty mouths out there, but you’ll have to think of something else!
On the plus side, however, emojis are allowed! You can have the whole engraving made up of smiley faces and love hearts if you wish!
What’s Done is Done
Think carefully about what you might want written on your AirPods case because once it’s on there, it’s on there forever!
Unless you return the headphones under warranty (if they’re faulty), if you change your mind about your choice of engraving, you’re stuck with it unless you buy a new set.
So pay attention to the ideas in this article – you don’t want to be stuck with an engraving you regret.
Digital Engravings
Since the arrival of the AirPods Pro 2, some users have noticed that their engravings are popping up in digital form as well as on their headphone cases.
This is a nice little feature from Apple that brings your idea into the digital realm and could help you identify your AirPods in a pinch if you were wondering which set to connect to.
So far (at the time of writing), this feature is only available on AirPods Pro 2, but Apple may extend it to other older designs or the new ones coming out in the future.
The Best AirPod Engraving Ideas
Now we’ll get to the good bit – the ideas! Obviously, this is completely open, and the only limit is your imagination!
Most people opt for something simple, like ‘John’s AirPods’ or just their name and a couple of emojis. But it can be anything, from special messages when gifting AirPods, or an inside joke between you and your friends. Maybe even an inspirational quote of some kind.
To start you off, here are some inspiration and clever takes on the engraving idea.
Contact Information
Now, this one might seem a little boring at first, but it’s probably the only method you’ve got in terms of finding your AirPods if you lose them.
Some people might be hesitant about putting their full address out there, and you might struggle to fit it in the character limit anyway, but a phone number, email address, or social media handle can be a great way for a good citizen to contact you if they find your lost AirPods.
It might not be the most creative or fun thing you could get engraved, but it could be the smartest.
Pop Culture Quotes
Everyone loves a reference to their favorite TV show or movie, and if you’re a huge fan of a specific franchise or character, it could be a great idea to have a reminder of that on your AirPods case!
Here are some ideas (can you get all the references?):
- DON’T PANIC!
- Use The Force
- All The World’s A Stage
- Aye Carumba!
- Ten Points to Gryffindor
Not all quotes will fit the character limit and may have to be trimmed, but remember, they’re your AirPods – if you get the reference, that’s all that matters!
Engraved AirPods as a Gift
If you’re buying engraved AirPods for someone’s birthday or Christmas, it can be tempting to go for something like ‘Happy 18th Birthday!’ but unless you really want to remind the person that you got them the AirPods for a specific birthday, sometimes a more general or lighthearted message will go down better. For example:
- Getting Older!
- Time for Adulting
- You can drink now!
- Congratulations!
- Any variety of relevant emojis!
Jokes and Clever Statements
Some see the character limit as a challenge to come up with their best ironic one-liner, to bemuse and entertain those who pick up their AirPod case. Personally, I love these, and I think a witty joke can be lots of fun not only for you but anyone else who gets the chance to read it!
Check out some of our favorites:
- NOT DISHWASHER SAFE
- No Engraving, Thanks!
- EAR INFECTION
- Dog Chew Toy
- Android Only
Now, these might not be to everyone’s taste, but that’s the beauty of personalized engravings – they’re personal! Choose something that’s important to you – makes you laugh and reminds you of the things you like!
Inspirational Quotes
These can be really hard to cram in a super short sentence, but it’s possible!
Here are some great examples:
- Never Stop Trying
- Believe In Yourself
- You Are Loved
Final Thoughts
Obviously, apart from a 22-character limit, there really are no serious barriers to what you could dream up to go on your AirPods case.
If you’re still struggling, think about all the things you love, all the people you care about, and what makes you smile. After all, if you’re going to be using these AirPods almost every day, you’re going to want to see something that will put a smile on your face.
So take your time, think up the perfect quote, and make sure you’re happy with it before you click ‘engrave,’ because it cannot be edited!
